Vehicle condition

1 = Immaculate condition. No lack of technology, optic and history. Vehicles of the absolute top class. Top original condition or with new parts completely restored leading vehicle. As new (or better).

2 = Good condition. Lack-freely, but light used traces. Original or professionally and complex restores. No missing or additionally installed parts.

3 = Used condition. Normal traces of the years. Smaller lack, but fully drivingready. Light rusty. No immediate work necessarily. Not beautiful, but ready to use.

4 = Used up condition. Only causes drivingready. Immediate work necessarily. Middle rusty. Some smaller parts are missing or are defective. Partial restored. Easily to repair (and/or restore).

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Advertiser description
Porsche 911SC Targa. Indiana Red Metallic over Caramel. A highly optioned 911SC, special-ordered from the factory as documented by the original invoice. 65K actual miles. "Paint to sample," full leather interior (in magnificently preserved condition), Porsche/Blaupunkt radio, Cibie H4s, air conditioning, option package A53, cruise control, etc. brought the purchase price to $31,820.00, back in '79!
If you've been waiting for that "special" 911SC Targa to come along, it doesn't get better than this!

Porsche's air-cooled 911s, manufactured from 1964 to 1998, are legendary sports cars. All of them are coveted by collectors today, but some models are more desirable to own than others.

The Porsche 911SC of 1978-83 corrected all the shortcomings of its much-lamented 2.7-liter predecessor and is universally regarded as one of the finest 911s ever built. Its level of fit and finish is legendary; many examples last for more than 200,000 miles without major repairs. Among its main improvements were the new 3.0-liter aluminum engine block, the use of a catalytic converter instead of the dreaded thermal reactors, and the fitting of an auxiliary oil cooler under the right front fender on all models. Also introduced was a maintenance-free, breakerless ignition system.

Despite their timeless appearance and bullet-proof engines, the remaining SCs are well into their fourth decade. Their zinc-coated bodies have protected many from becoming victims of the dreaded tin worm, but time and continuous usage can still take their toll. Finding an exceptionally preserved, low-mileage car should be of paramount importance for any serious collector looking for a "keeper" quality 911SC.

The 1979 Porsche 911SC Targa presented here, VIN *9119211792*, one of 1,965 built, is an exceptional car by anyone's standards. For starters, it was special-ordered from the factory in a "paint to sample" color. Yes, back in the day you could submit your wife's favorite designer handbag or a swath of imported silk to the factory and have your new Porsche painted to match. Secondly, the car has traveled a mere 65,566 miles to this day; that's just a little over 2,000 miles annually, on average. Furthermore, this Porsche comes loaded with all the options you could ever wish for. You name it, this one's got it!

The car was picked up brand new on August 15, 1979, at Century Porsche-Audi, by a prominent Kettering physician. The purchase price of $30,647.90 (with all options) ended up being $7,000.00 above base MSRP which was a lot of money, 31 years ago!
Fortuitously, we found the dealer invoice among the records. Here's a list of the extra-cost options:

Beyond the dealer invoice, all the glove box items accompany the car: Warranty & Maintenance book, Owner's manual, key card, BLAUPUNKT radio and HIRSCHMANN antenna brochures, nicely kept in a burgundy leatherette pouch embossed with the PORSCHE crest.
Let's now inspect this unusual Porsche in more detail, starting with the trunk.

Luggage compartment is as clean as you would expect from a low-mileage car, including the factory gray felt trunk carpeting. Full tool roll, jack, air compressor, even the clear plastic bags and gloves provided by Porsche in case of a tire failure are still present, a very welcome sight for the picky collector, who wants his Porsche as complete as possible.

Removing the trunk mat reveals the unused, inflatable spare. The vulnerable "nose" section is free of any kind of damage. Brownish substance is part of the rust-proofing process that was provided "at no extra cost" by the selling dealership; it may have contributed to the amazing state of preservation this 911SC displays.

A Targa combines the advantages of a convertible's open air pleasures with those of a coupe's rigid body construction. It takes but seconds to remove the Targa top, fold it, and store it in the trunk. Suddenly, open air motoring takes on a whole new dimension!
Porsche's coachwork belies its age. This car looks like it's three years old, not 31. There are no dings or dents anywhere--and no rust bubbles, either!

The Targa top is in immaculate condition and aligns perfectly, without any shrinkage; the top seals are excellent, too.

A 911 wouldn't be perfect without a set of the iconic FUCHS wheels!
Part of the costly A53 option were these new-for-1979 sixteen inch FUCHS light alloy wheels, 7in. wide up front, 8in. wide in the back. These feature the correct finish and are shod with top-of-the-line MICHELIN tires, 205/55VR16 and 225/50VR16, respectively.

Aahh, the color. Sporting a one-off, extra cost, paint to sample hue, the bright metallic red appears to be slightly golden-orange or terracotta, depending on the available light. It's a unique color that attracts frequent inquiries from other Porsche owners. Miraculously, this SC still sports most of its original, factory-applied paint, just the left quarter panel appears to have been spotted in professionally at one time in the distant past. There were also some very small rock chips, mainly on the hood, which have been carefully touched up with a fine brush. Overall, the finish is stunning!

Aahh, the color. Sporting a one-off, extra cost, paint to sample hue, the bright metallic red appears to be slightly golden-orange or terracotta, depending on the available light. It's a unique color that attracts frequent inquiries from other Porsche owners. Miraculously, this SC still sports most of its original, factory-applied paint, just the left quarter panel appears to have been spotted in professionally at one time in the distant past. There were also some very small rock chips, mainly on the hood, which have been carefully touched up with a fine brush. Overall, the finish is stunning!

Dashboard looks pristine, with no leather shrinkage or dryness whatsoever, mute testament to the fact that this 911SC has always been kept out of harm's way.

The iconic, large, round Porsche 911 dials: it's a design that simply can't be improved upon. All gauges work perfectly, even the clock!.
Note exquisitely preserved leather on the factory steering wheel; you'll only find it like this on a pampered, low-mileage Porsche.

Quite simply, it's a beautiful cockpit; there are no "issues!" Check out the original PORSCHE/BLAUPUNKT radio-cassette unit, combined with the HIRSCHMANN power antenna, it was part of the special order package.

Italian ROSER leather, among the finest hides ever used in any automobile. Here, they are pristinely preserved, 31 years after having been installed. It's as good as it gets in a vintage 911, indeed.
Note amazingly clean carpeting: there's no appreciable wear or fading.

Rear area holds two adults on short trips, long-distance if they are newlyweds. Seat backs can be folded flat to create additional luggage room.

Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but before we take off, let's check out engine and undercarriage.

Toothbrush-clean engine bay contains the potent heart of the SC: its matching number, 3-liter 6-cylinder boxer motor # *6292146*, featuring 180 healthy Teutonic horses, enough to allow the Porsche to sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds. The quarter mile dash takes just over 14 seconds, and top speed is claimed to be 149mph.
That's fast, really fast, actually, even by today's elevated standards!
Gasoline is sipped at a thrifty 25 miles per gallon; one of the many reasons the 911SC has been called the "sensible Porsche."

This one is in perfect tune and runs very strong, with absolutely no untoward mechanical noises, just mellifluous music emanating from its exhaust tip with a harmony that reminds of U2's It's a beautiful Day. And, we've checked the garage floor: no unsightly oil drips, either!

Continuing our inspection, we find the car's undercarriage to be exceptionally clean and completely unaffected by the ravages of time. There is no prior accident damage, no corrosion, just healthy sheetmetal, covered by a thin coat of 31-year-old rust proofing. This Porsche has always been garaged by a mature, loving owner who used it as a weekend toy only; it's ready for another 31 years!

Being the last and most-developed 911 without huge flares and spoilers, thus best displaying 'Butzi' Porsche's classically pure design, the 911SC model's rise to the zenith of collectible Porsche automobiles has already begun; here in Southern California, all the excellently preserved examples entering the marketplace are being snapped up quickly by eager collectors from all over the world.
Carpe diem, and have yourself a Merry Christmas!

You are most welcome to inspect this fine automobile at our location in Ventura, by appointment, or have someone inspect it for you.
Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at 805-653-5551.